Understanding the challenges faced by academics with ADHD.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. While often associated with behaviors in childhood, ADHD can persist into adulthood, affecting individuals in various aspects of their lives, including their academic pursuits and employment. It has been particularly misdiagnosed in Women and girls, as the traditional symptoms presented are different to those of their male counterparts. ADHD in Men typically manifests itself as Hyperactivity, whereas Women typically present more Inattentive symptoms, which are generally less noticeable. This means Women commonly go undiagnosed until adulthood.
ADHD and Procrastination: A Vicious Cycle
Procrastination is a common issue among individuals with ADHD. The struggles in staying focused, prioritizing tasks, and resisting distractions can make it challenging to meet deadlines and follow academic obligations. This can become a vicious cycle, where the stress and anxiety of falling behind can further exacerbate procrastination, leading to a state of ‘paralysis’, and an inability to start tasks altogether.
The Impact of ADHD on PhD Students
ADHD can have a significant impact on the academic experience of PhD students. Some of the challenges they may face include:
(i) Difficulty staying organized: ADHD can make it difficult to manage the overwhelming amount of information and tasks involved in a PhD. This is especially common when you have not yet learnt how to deal with academic burnout effectively.
(ii) Time management issues: Struggling to prioritize tasks and effectively manage time can lead to missed deadlines and important events, e.g. meetings and seminars.
(iii) Imposter syndrome: The feeling of being a fraud, despite academic achievements, is common among students with ADHD, who may doubt their abilities due to the challenges they face. This is worsened by high levels of rejection sensitivity, which is a very common symptom.
(iv) Social isolation: The difficulties associated with ADHD can sometimes lead to social isolation and difficulties forming good relationships with peers and mentors.
Strategies to manage ADHD as a PhD student
While some ADHD symptoms can be treated with medication, this is not the best option for everyone. Luckily, there are some great strategies that individuals with ADHD can use to thrive in academia. Here are some tips:
Time management techniques: You can utilize platforms like ConcentrAid to create structure in your schedule, exploring the Pomodoro Technique, or time blocking, to help stay focused and productive.
Accountability partners: Working with a partner via a virtual coworking space, like ConcentrAid, will help to maintain your focus when writing, and provide you with a sense of accountability and motivation.
Accommodations: Discuss any available accommodations with your academic advisors or disability services office, to help level the playing field between you and your peers.
Organization tools: Utilize digital tools or physical organizers to help manage tasks, deadlines, and information. It might help to keep track of commitments and deadlines in multiple places, such as a digital calendar, a paper agenda, and a separate calendar on your phone. ConcentrAid will remind you of any sessions you have booked.
Support groups: Connect with other colleagues with ADHD to share your experiences and strategies. At PhD level, students will have already tried and tested many techniques.
Therapy: Consider seeking therapy to address the emotional and psychological challenges associated with ADHD, with someone professionally trained.
The community here at ConcentrAid is looking forward to helping you on your journey to overcome these challenges and to excel in academia. Let’s start by tackling your feelings of isolation, by finding you a coworking partner!
See you soon,
Team ConcentrAid